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Boletus pinkish, variegated or oxidizing, birch variegated is the name of the same mushroom of the Boletaceae family. This species is a close relative of boletus and is characterized by high taste, therefore it is suitable for any type of processing without prior preparation. The official name is Leccinum roseafractum.
Where does the pink boletus mushroom grow?
This mushroom prefers to grow in the tundra and wet forests of the Northern regions. It can also be found in the highlands, in combination with tree and shrub birch trees.It can not always be found at the base of trees; it is often located further from the trunk above the young roots.
The mushroom grows separately in small groups of 2-3 pieces in birch or mixed forest. Prefers to camouflage itself in thickets of tall grass and moss. It can often be found on the shores of forest lakes, swamps, and also near peat bogs.
Pink boletus is widespread in the northern part of Western Europe. But you can only find it during periods of high humidity in the forest.
What does a pink boletus look like?
This species has a classic form of fruiting body structure. Therefore, its cap and leg are clearly expressed. The upper part is characterized by a small size, and its diameter in adult specimens does not exceed 7 cm. The height of the fruiting body is 12-15 cm, but there are some exceptions that reach 20 cm.
The size of the pink boletus is significantly smaller than its relatives
At the initial stage of growth, the cap is hemispherical and smooth, but as it matures it becomes convex and cushion-shaped. The surface is yellow-brown in color, on which chaotically located light spots are clearly visible, which creates the impression of a marble pattern. This feature is a distinctive feature of the species.
On the back side of the cap there is a tubular layer, which initially has a light shade, and as the spore powder matures it becomes dirty gray in color. When you press on it with your finger, it quickly turns pink.
The pulp has a dense white texture. But upon contact with air, boletus initially turns pink on the cut and then darkens.Because of this feature, the mushroom got its name. In ripe specimens, the pulp becomes loose and watery.
The stem of the pink boletus is cylindrical, slightly thickened at the base. It can be either flat or slightly curved towards the sun's rays. Its main shade is light, and on top there are thick dark gray scales. The external color of the leg resembles a birch trunk. The flesh of the lower part is initially dense, and as it matures it becomes fibrous.
Is it possible to eat pink boletus?
This species is considered edible. It is suitable for consumption both fresh and processed.
Only young specimens need to be collected and prepared, since when ripened, the structure of the pulp changes significantly and becomes unsuitable for food.
Taste qualities of mushroom
In terms of taste, this species belongs to the second category. When broken, the pulp emits a pleasant mushroom smell. When fresh or cooked, it tastes slightly sweet.
Benefits and harm to the body
Pink boletus has a rich chemical composition. It contains the following components:
- carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber;
- vitamins B, C, PP;
- mono-, disaccharides;
- alimentary fiber;
- unsaturated fatty acids;
- minerals (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, sodium).
Thanks to this, the mushroom has many beneficial properties for the human body. Its regular use helps:
- reduce the content of harmful cholesterol in the blood;
- normalize blood pressure;
- accelerate hematopoietic processes;
- improve metabolism;
- increase immunity;
- normalize the functioning of the digestive organs.
Pink boletus can harm the body only if there is an individual intolerance to the product. Therefore, if signs of allergy appear, it is necessary to exclude the mushroom from the diet. If there are complications in the situation, you should immediately call a doctor.
False doubles
In terms of external characteristics, the pink boletus is in many ways similar to the gall fungus, which is considered poisonous. Therefore, you should know the distinctive signs of a false double in order to avoid intoxication of the body.
You can recognize the gall fungus by the rough surface of the cap, which is noticeable if you run your finger over it. You should also be wary of the fact that adult specimens do not have even the slightest signs of wormism. This is due to the fact that insects do not eat the false twin due to its bitterness.
Important! The gall fungus grows in oak groves near rotten stumps or ditches, which is unusual for boletus mushrooms.
The gall mushroom is not wormy even when ripe
The double's hat does not have a characteristic marble pattern; its shade can be red-green or bright brown. The surface of the leg is covered with a beige mesh, reminiscent of blood vessels.
Collection rules
The fruiting period of pink boletus begins in June and lasts until the end of October. This species is characterized by rapid growth and, in the presence of favorable conditions, grows by 4 cm per day, and after six days it fully matures.
Young specimens should be collected, since as they grow older, the taste properties deteriorate and the flesh becomes watery.
When harvesting, you need to cut the boletus at the base with a sharp knife so as not to damage the mycelium. This will allow the collection to be carried out in one place every year.
Use
Pink boletus can be fried, pickled, stewed, boiled. In addition, it can be dried and frozen. The only drawback of this type is that during heat treatment the flesh turns black.
The structure of the boletus stem is a little tougher and therefore requires longer heat treatment. The lower part is best used for preparing soups, sauces, main courses, combining it with vegetables and meat. The caps are best used for baking, frying, drying, pickling, and can also be used fresh.
Conclusion
Pink boletus is a tasty mushroom that is deservedly popular among lovers of quiet hunting. You can meet it in the forest only with high air humidity, since during dry periods the development of the mycelium stops. But when collecting, it is necessary to clearly know the characteristic differences of the species so as not to confuse it with a false double.
